Why Your New Year’s Resolution May Do More Harm than Good
I know it sounds cliché, but most American s who make a New Year’s resolution have dropped it by the month of February. 80 percent of us will downright fail to keep them at all. They look good in January—but not so much in June. Gym memberships skyrocket at the beginning of the year, and…
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The Normalization of Anxiety
This may sound strange—but I love the fact that we’re talking about mental health issues today. While I hate that millions of teenage students struggle with such issues, at least we’re finally addressing them, rather than hiding from them, and beginning to take action against anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other disorders. Nearly everyone on…
Continue ReadingFive Steps to Reverse a Sense of Entitlement
I had the most intriguing experience on the road this year while speaking at a private, elite high school. The school was located in a wealthy suburb. I was astonished by the beautiful, expensive cars the students drove to school. Some who didn’t drive themselves took an Uber. Every student and teacher had the latest…
Continue ReadingWhat is Sportsmanship in 2020?
I love celebrating, and I love sports. So I naturally enjoy celebrating a great performance from a team after a win. As a fan, I get to vicariously live through those young athletes on the field, the court, or in the pool. Everyone feels good as they celebrate a victory for their team. Over my…
Continue ReadingFour Traits of a Self-Care School
The Associated Press recently reviewed, data from more than three dozen public universities and discovered what I’ve suspected for years. The number of students seeking treatment for mental health problems has almost doubled in the past five years, while overall enrollment has stayed about the same. Did you catch that? The students seeking help has nearly…
Continue ReadingFive Questions Every Student Needs You to Answer
A faculty member and university dean just told me one of their best students got expelled from school. They were baffled by a poor decision he made—and said what we’ve all said too many times: “How could such a smart kid do such a stupid thing?” I reminded them it was likely a matter of…
Continue ReadingSix Ways to Begin the New Year Intentionally
I want to tell you a story that is informative to parents. Today—I am writing to parents. As we begin a new year, this is the perfect time to establish new habits and set new standards. The McCormicks have two sons and a daughter. Their boys are teens, ages 14 and 16. Their daughter is…
Continue ReadingThe One Thing I Do at the Beginning of Each Year
One ritual I perform enables me to enter a new year “on purpose.” After I invest a morning reviewing the previous year, I spend the second half of the day previewing the new year. Once again, I think and I write as I open a new chapter of my life. I don’t simply create a…
Continue ReadingFive Important Conversations I Had with My Kids
As a parent, an educator and a leader, my kids grew up observing my bias toward growth and lifelong learning. Over the years, I would take them out to breakfast or lunch, or we’d go on a trip, and we’d talk about life and leadership. I wanted them to not only be career-ready but life-ready.…
Continue ReadingThe One Thing I Do at the End of Each Year
For thirty-five years now, I have performed a ritual at the end of December. It’s the way I wrap up each year and gain some perspective on my life. I take half of a day and get completely alone. Usually, I get away from the house and find a quiet place to reflect. During this…
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